Ronald Mark Epstein, M.D.

Professional Background

Ronald M. Epstein, M.D. is a Professor of Family Medicine, Oncology & Medicine (Palliative Care) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and is board certified in Family Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Epstein co-directs the Center for Communication and Disparities Research and Mindful Practice Programs at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Dr. Epstein is an internationally recognized physician, educator, researcher, and writer. He has published groundbreaking research into communication in medical settings and developed innovative educational programs to optimize communication between health professionals and people who are seriously ill and promote professional self-awareness, mindfulness, and well-being. His over 300 scholarly articles and his book, Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness and Humanity, show how health professionals can flourish and build strong connections with patients and colleagues and optimize the care they provide.

Dr. Epstein graduated from Wesleyan University (1976) and Harvard Medical School (1984). He was named the first George Engel and John Romano Dean's Teaching Scholar at the University of Rochester. National honors include the Lynn Payer Award from the Academy of Communication in Healthcare for lifetime achievement in research on communication and health, the Humanism in Medicine Award from the New York Academy of Medicine and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Humanities Award from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and the American Cancer Society’s highest award, the Clinical Research Professorship. He has been a Fulbright scholar at the Institute for Health Studies in Barcelona, Spain, and a visiting scholar at the University of Sydney and the Brocher Institute in Hermance, Switzerland. He is a frequent keynote speaker at major national and international conferences on medical education, communication, and mindfulness in health care. He is an accomplished harpsichordist and gourmet cook, and an avid cyclist and cross-country skier. His wife, Deborah Fox is a lutenist and founding artistic director of Pegasus Early Music. They have two children, Malka and Eli. Learn more about Dr. Epstein’s work at www.ronaldepstein.com